24. Captain BALFOURasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that Imperial Airways, Limited, are able to offer short passenger flights at prices which unsubsidised private concerns find uneconomic; and if the Air Ministry will take steps to stop the benefits of the company's subsidy fur long-distance flying being used for these short passenger trips?
§ Sir P. SASSOONMy information is that other companies hold their own in this matter. I cannot accept the implication in the second part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, and I see no reason for interfering with a legitimate and popular activity on the part of Imperial Airways.
Captain BALFOURDoes not the possession of the subsidy in the general 810 profits of the company create unfair competition with firms which have not got a subsidy?
§ Sir P. SASSOONNo, Sir, I do not think that there is unfair competition, and I think that my hon. and gallant Friend will realise that it is far better, if machines of the Imperial Airways are not being used, that they should be available for those members of the general public who wish to take flights in those particular flying machines rather than that they should lie idle.